Have you ever been in a place of turmoil? A place in life where you had more questions than answers? A place where you needed to know God sees you and cares for your every need? A place where you need your peace restored?

That’s where I was on this sweltering hot day in Texas. Grateful that the previous night’s storm had passed, yet feeling weighed down by the oppressive heat and the questions in my soul. I had a job to do, yet I wondered if I was on the right track and if it would make an impact.

I’d spent the last couple days sequestered to write, but I was growing weary.
Would I get done on time?
Would I effectively convey my message?
Would I hear His words, not mine?
Would anyone be interested in what I had to say?
Would publishers be interested in the topic?
So many questions, so few answers.

A peaceful encounter with God

I left to go for a walk, needing a change in scenery. And God met me, as He so faithfully does.

I meandered off the busy road and down a side path to come face to face with one pond after another. None of them large bodies of water, but water nonetheless. And each beautiful in their own regard.

Each one stilled my soul just a little bit more.

Ironic that I was writing about peace and contentment and the Lord led me to the place I am most at peace: by the water.

It reminded me of the old hymn, “When peace like a river attendeth my way…” And it did. Peace washed over me, leaving me to face the task at hand for the day.

As I stood by the water’s edge, I let the peace from my serene encounter with God still my heart and mind.

He refreshes me with peace

The familiar Scripture from Psalm 23:1-3 came to mind in a new and fresh way, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.”

It only took a few quiet moments for Him to restore my soul as I reflected on how much He must love me to know my every need and care enough to meet them to the point that He would lead me beside still waters and refresh me with His peace.

As I turned back, sun beating down on my gradually bronzing shoulders, the heat of the summer day made my brow sweat. Then suddenly, like a breath of the spirit, a soft breeze engulfed me. It was as if God was saying, “I’m here. I see you. I know what you need. Trust me.”

Okay, Lord. Thank you for that gentle reminder.

Friend, I don’t know what you are going through today, what doubts you have, what questions you are seeking answers for. But I know God is with you and cares about your every need. And He alone is able to meet you and your every need right where you are. He’s there when you need peace restored. Will you trust Him?

As you put your trust in Him, He will restore your peace.

Because of Him, #PeacePrevails!

(If you have a question you’d like Dr. B to answer, contact her here now. Your name and identity will be kept confidential.)

Contact

The award-winning book, Breaking Anxiety’s Grip

No question, we have a lot to worry about. Children, jobs, homes, health, finances, and more. The solution isn’t to rid ourselves of the sources of anxiety – as if we could. Instead, we need to recognize that anxiety originates from a spiritual influence and that we can fight back using the God-given weapons of power, love, and a sound mind.

We can discover true peace in an age of anxiety.

In Breaking Anxiety’s Grip, Dr. Michelle Bengtson shares her own story of emerging from the battle with anxiety as well as the stories of others. She reminds you of your identity as a follower of Christ and of the peace he promises you in spite of everything.

She provides tools to cope with the crushing emotional burden of anxiety now and, more importantly, shows you how to reclaim God’s peace as a way of life so that you can break anxiety’s grip.

Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, ChristianBooks.com, Books-A-Million, and other fine book retailers.

Click here to learn more:  Breaking Anxiety’s Grip